UK Private Sector Activity Contracts in World Economy News 04/06/2026 The S&P Global UK Composite PMI fell to 49.7 in May of 2026 from 52.6 in the previous month, revised higher from the preliminary estimate of 48.5, reflecting the first decline in activity in over one year and firmly below the initial market expectations of an expansion of 51.6. Activity was lower for services providers (49.3 vs 52.7 in April), outweighing the faster expansion for goods producers (53.9 vs 53.7). New business at the aggregate level eased amid uncertainty for clients and weaker investment sentiment. A sharper decline was prevented by an influx of orders for manufacturers as clients attempted to beat price hikes risked by the war in the Middle East. Meanwhile, payroll numbers fell for the 20th month, with firms blaming higher National Insurance contributions for lower labor intake. Source: Trading Economics 2026-06-04 hellenicshippingnews... tweet Share